The Ground Below

Chapter Twenty

I woke to warm arms wrapped around me, and I don’t remember falling asleep with anyone. Rolling slightly in Karter’s arms I could turn my head, and watch him sleep. What kind of creep watches a man sleep?

One would think it’d be obvious that everyone seems peaceful when they sleep, but somehow, I don’t believe that theory. But, Karter looks peaceful, and I admire his face and how his mouth lifts at the ends as if he is smiling.

“What are you dreaming about?” I whisper hoping not to wake him. His eyes open slowly, and he smirks. “You, baby.”

Laughing, I smack him playfully. “Should I find it creepy that you crawled into my bed sometime last night without my knowing?”

“Oh, definitely,” he states in that sleepy voice that I am finding extremely attractive right at this moment. My heart bounces when he rises up on one elbow looking down on me with heavy lidded eyes.

“Can we do something today?” My life here has been pretty lonely aside from the few things I get to do with Karter, his friends, and his family.

Placing his lips to mine he says, “Like what?”

“Well, if you’re sure you like me, maybe a date?” I didn’t mean for it to come out as a question, or maybe I did. I hate feeling so unsure of myself.

He rises up on his elbow, looking down on me. “If I’m sure?”

Slowly, I nod.

“Of course I’m sure. I wouldn’t be in here if I wasn’t sure.”

“Okay,” I whisper. My heart starts racing a hundred miles a minute, and I’m not sure it ever slowed down from last night.

“You’re beautiful.”

My eyes widen, “You really think so?” A girl can be told she is beautiful a million times and never believe it, but can hear it from one single person and know.

“I know so. And you’re mine,” he states matter of fact.

“Awesome.” Great reply, stupid. “Well, what do you suppose we do for our date?”

He laughs, “Tell you what. While I’m taking a shower, you brush those rank teeth, and you can come up with something. I’ll take you anywhere you want to go.”

“Rank breath.”

He pokes my nose with his index finger. “You’re so cute when you crinkle your nose like that. And yes, rank breath. You drank alcohol last night, remember? Too tired to brush your teeth again?” he teases.

The light bulb in my head goes on, and I’m embarrassed. He told me I had bad breath before, but we weren’t dating. My face flames, “Yeah, I kind of was too tired. And I have a headache.” My head is throbbing, and I can’t believe I am just now noticing it.

“I’ll get you some Aspirin.” He kisses me again, and I want to pull away, aware of my breath, but he wraps his hand around the back of my neck holding onto me.

“I could care less about your stinky alcohol breath. Those pretty green eyes make me forget about the horrible smell anyway.” My face reddens, and I don’t know if it’s the embarrassment or if I really am blushing.